Method and system for managing power delivery and fixture operation for power over ethernet systems

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a system for providing power and controlling a plurality of ethernet devices, comprising: a driver, wherein the driver provides for the control of the system; a plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors collect sensor specific data and are in communication with the driver; a Power over Ethernet (POE) switch, wherein the POE switch is in communication with the plurality of sensors; a plurality of fixtures in communication with the driver and the POE switch, wherein the plurality of fixtures are light sources; and a local power source, wherein the local power source is in communication with the POE switch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (and claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application No. 62/912,695 filed Oct.9, 2019. The disclosure of the prior applications is considered part of(and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of thisapplication.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally a power over Ethernet (PoE) system,and particularly to the PoE system and the method of operation of thePoE system.

Presently, many buildings have complicated electrical wiring systemsthat are installed when the building is first built. These wiringsystems are typically required to be installed by a certifiedelectrician, and the placement of overhead lighting and electricaloutlets is predetermined by the wiring system that is pre-installed inthe building. After the building is built, adding or moving lightfixtures may be complicated and costly, requiring substantial re-wiringby an electrician.

Each light in a building may also be connected to a switch module thatis used for turning it on and off. The placement of this switch is alsopre-determined by the electrical wiring system when the building isfirst built. Moving the placement of the switch modules or altering thecontrol of the switch later typically also requires an electrician tore-wire the relevant portion of the house, which can be very complicatedand costly.

These existing electrical distribution systems are typically highvoltage (100-250V) AC (alternating current). Newer lightingtechnologies, like LED (light-emitting diode) lights, are more efficientthan incandescent and even fluorescent lighting. However, they areinherently low voltage DC (direct current) driven devices. Adaptingthese devices to work in an existing AC distribution system requiresconversion of the power sources, resulting in additional costs andcomplications.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology for supplying low voltagecurrent and data over a common point-to-point Ethernet network cable tolocations with applications that require both mediums. In some casespower is carried on the same conductors that carry data. In other casespower is carried on dedicated conductors within the same cable.Applications that currently benefit from PoE technology include Voiceover Internet Protocol (VoIP), IP cameras, wireless local area networks(WLAN), Wireless Access Points, Building Automation Systems (BAS), andsecurity and access control systems.

PoE has several advantages over traditional power systems used in homesand commercial buildings. For example, PoE systems are relatively lowvoltage, thus eliminating the need to run expensive high voltage wiringand conduit for lighting. In addition, installation of PoE wiring can befaster than with traditional power systems because Ethernet cablingemploys simple plug-in end connections. Where Ethernet cabling isalready in place (i.e., for data transmission), PoE functionality can beachieved without the need for additional wiring installation.

With the increase in power provided by modern PoE systems, it would bedesirable to provide a PoE system capable of controlling and powering avariety of light emitting diode (LED) lighting system components. Thesystem should be inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to configure andcontrol. The system should also be able to power and/or control otherlow voltage devices, such as occupancy sensors, photodetectors, wallswitches and the like.

The power over Ethernet devices do not require separate power supplylines. In some instances, the power may be supplied by a power supplycontained within an Ethernet switch or within the system. Due to this,the power supply does not generally have the power capability to supplymaximum power to every port, there is a limit on the number of powerover Ethernet devices that can be connected to a given power supply. Aport may be denied power, if it will result in oversubscription of thepower supply. Example power over Ethernet devices that can benefit fromreceiving power over the Ethernet communication lines include aninternet protocol telephone, a badge reader, a wireless access point, avideo camera, and others.

Traditionally, when a power over Ethernet device is connected to a powersupply, the power over Ethernet device is allocated a maximum powerclass. These maximum values correspond to the maximum amount of powerthat will be supplied by the power supply to the power over Ethernetdevice.

Therefore, it is desired for a PoE system that provides for ease ofinstallation within the building, simplification of the integration ofnew fixtures, and a user friendly experience to control and use the PoEsystem.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, the present invention is a system for providingpower and controlling a plurality of ethernet devices, comprising: adriver, wherein the driver provides for the control of the system; aplurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors collect sensorspecific data and are in communication with the driver; a Power overEthernet (POE) switch, wherein the POE switch is in communication withthe plurality of sensors; a plurality of fixtures in communication withthe driver and the POE switch, wherein the plurality of fixtures arelight sources; and a local power source, wherein the local power sourceis in communication with the POE switch.

In a second embodiment, the present invention is a method of controllinga fixture in a power over ethernet (POE) system, the method comprising:a driver receiving a power and a control signal from at least onefixtures; a control module processing the received power and thereceived control signal, wherein the control module determines if the atleast one fixtures are operating with a predetermined range; the controlmodule signaling the driver to adjust the power signal for the at leastone fixtures.

In a third embodiment, the present invention is a method of operating aPower over Ethernet (POE) system, the method comprising: a driver,wherein the driver has a control module; a POE switch in wiredcommunication with the driver; a plurality of sensors in wiredcommunication with the POE switch; a plurality of fixtures in wiredcommunication with the driver and the POE switch; a power source inwired communication with the POE switch, and wherein the control moduleprocesses a first set of data received by the plurality of sensors andthe plurality of fixtures, and generates a set of actions which are sentfrom the driver to the POE switch, wherein the POE switch sends poweronly via the wired connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram depicting a PoE environment, according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a computing node, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a cloud computing environment, according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of an exemplarymethod of operating the disclosed PoE system within the PoE environmentof FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of an exemplarymethod of monitoring the disclosed PoE system within the PoE environmentof FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of an exemplarymethod of integrating additional fixtures into the disclosed PoE systemwithin the PoE environment of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention generally relates to PoE systems and providesseveral advantages over the present designs. The present PoE lightingsystem is unique in that it is an entire systems and not a componentrequiring the integration of at least one other system. Unlike othermanufacturers of lighting technology systems that rely on other vendorsfor individual components to make up there lights/fixtures, the presentPoE system uses all internal components. The present PoE system improvescommunication by using a predominately wireless system design. Theelimination of the light controller, and the use of a cloud basedmanagement system, the PoE system increases efficiency, reduces costs,and improves the versatility of the system. The system furthereliminates the gateway/driver combo and only require the use of onedriver. The gateway is used as a power distribution and networkconnected module to power the fixtures. The present invention removesthe necessity of this element and further simplifies the PoE system.With the integration of the cloud based system, the need for physicalswitches is removed and thus increases the number of fixtures which canbe integrated into the PoE system. As in the past the requirement ofswitches limits the number of fixtures which can be integrated into thePoE system. Through the use of wireless controller, the present PoEsystem can manage 1 or 10,000 fixtures. The requirement of the need fora power cable to connect the sensors has been removed, providing amassive increase in the versatility of the system by allowing for thesensors to be placed virtually anywhere provided they are in wirelesscommunication with the driver.

The system does not require an additional power supply to powerdownstream devices such as but not limited to wall switch, motionsensors, etc. The system does not require a wall switch to be physicallyconnected to turn the led on or off. The system does not require anin-room controller to manage connectivity to switches, motion sensorsetc. the system is able to manage all auxiliary devices via a wi-ficonnection. Additionally, the system is not limited to the number offixtures or location of fixtures it can simultaneously control. Thesystem is able to manage and control an unlimited number of devices viathe wi-fi controller. Unlike other systems that use slave controllers tomanage downstream devices thus making them inherently fault intolerantour system does not have any such limitation and if one device on thenetwork fails only said devices fails and all other devices on thenetwork remain operational. Existing systems require the use of costlysite control servers to manage the operation of each light fixture, oursystem embeds control software in each wi-fi chip that connects directlyto a cloud server eliminating the need for a costly onsite controlserver.

The PoE lighting systems is powered by a network switch using power overethernet technology. The system is able to reduce energy consumption byup to 80% over traditional fluorescent lighting and 50% over standardhigh voltage LED lighting. Additionally, the present system can be usedas a full time system or an emergency lighting system. The system isalso intelligent lighting as it is managed by a cloud server allowingfor the management of each fixture or a group of fixtures. There is noneed for an in-house lighting controller, there is also redundancy builtinto the system in the case of an internet outage. The system useswireless technology for data communication allowing for a more efficientcommunication method that does not suffer from traditional emfinterference that is experience when higher than normal voltage is runthrough bundled communication cabling.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowcharts may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions,which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, thefunctions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in thefigures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, beexecuted substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved. It will also be noted that each block of the flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry outcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can bemonitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail).The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloudinfrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage,or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exceptionof limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising anetwork of interconnected nodes.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a PoE environment 100 in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 provides anillustration of one embodiment and does not imply any limitationsregarding the environment in which different embodiments maybeimplemented.

In the depicted embodiment, PoE environment 100 includes local network101, network 102, server 104, computing devices 105, driver 106,fixtures 107, switches 108, multi-sensors 109, alarms/existing buildingsystems 110, relay 111, PoE Switch 112, local power source 113, externalpower source 114, and server 120. PoE environment 100 may includeadditional servers, computers, or other devices not shown.

The local network 101 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN) such as the Internet, any combination thereof, or anycombination of connections and protocols that can support communicationsbetween computing device 105, and server 104 in accordance withembodiments of the invention. Network 102 may include wired, wireless,or fiber optic connections. In the depicted embodiment, the localnetwork 101 connects computing devices 105, driver 106, switches 108,multi-sensors 109, relay 111, and PoE Switch 112.

The network 102 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN) such as the Internet, any combination thereof, or any combinationof connections and protocols that can support communications betweencomputing device 105, and server 104 in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention. Network 102 may include wired, wireless, or fiber opticconnections. In the depicted embodiment, the network 102 connectsservers 104 and 120 with the local network 101.

The server 104 may be a management server, a web server, or any otherelectronic device or computing system capable of processing programinstructions and receiving and sending data. In other embodiments server104 may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, netbook computer,personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmableelectronic device capable of communicating via network 102. In oneembodiment, server 104 may be a server computing system utilizingmultiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computingenvironment. In one embodiment, server 104 represents a computing systemutilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool ofseamless resources. In the depicted embodiment database 1116 and controlprogram 106 are located on server 104. Server 104 may includecomponents, as depicted and described in further detail with respect toFIG. 3. In some embodiments, server 104 is a cloud service platform or aweb service cloud-based service platform.

Control program 106 controls the operations of the fixtures 107 based onthe data received and processed from the sensors 109, existing buildingsystems 110, switches 108, and the like. In the depicted embodiment,Control program 106 utilizes network 102 and network 101 to access thedriver 103 and the relay 111, PoE Switch 112, and sensors 109. In thedepicted embodiment, Control program 106 resides on server 104. In otherembodiments, Control program 106 may be located on another server orcomputing device, provided Control program 106 has access to database116, driver 103 and the relay 111, PoE Switch 112, and sensors 109. Thecontrol program 106 is able to set features such as, but not limited tocircadian rhythm, and timers.

Database 116 may be a repository that may be written to and/or read bycontrol program 106. In one embodiment, database 116 is a databasemanagement system (DBMS) used to allow the definition, creation,querying, update, and administration of a database(s). In the depictedembodiment, database 116 resides on server 104. In other embodiments,database 116 resides on another server, or another computing device,provided that database 116 is accessible to Control program 106.

The computing device(s) 105 may be a management server, a web server, orany other electronic device or computing system capable of processingprogram instructions and receiving and sending data. In someembodiments, computing device 105 may be a laptop computer, tabletcomputer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer,or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating withcomputing device 105 and server 104 via network 102. In otherembodiments, computing device 105 may represent a server computingsystem utilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in acloud computing environment. In another embodiment, computing device 105represents a computing system utilizing clustered computers andcomponents to act as a single pool of seamless resources. Inembodiments, computing device 105 may include any combination of Controlprogram 106 or database 116. Computing device 105 may includecomponents, as depicted and described in further detail with respect toFIG. 3. In the depicted embodiment the computing device 105 is connectedto the local area network 101 through a wireless 130 connection. Inother embodiments, the computing device 105 may be connected to thelocal area network 101 and other components of the system through wiredor wireless connections.

The driver 103 allows for the powering of fixtures 107 and communicatingwith the sensors 109 and switches 108. The driver 103 has been builtwith a special capacitor 117 to allow for a charge to be maintainedallowing the fixture(s) 107 to turn on without the customary led lightdelay. Additionally, the driver 103 has an embedded wireless componentthat allows for the control program 106 to communicate directly with thedriver 103. In some embodiments, the wireless component acts as agateway to allow for direct communication to the networks 101 and 102,eliminating the need for an inhouse lighting control system. Within thedriver 103 is a self-contained wireless network that allows for the useof a computing device 105 to be used in the event of an internet outage.

The driver 103 has a wireless component provides for the wirelesscommunication with network 101 and communication with the PoE switch 112and the fixtures 107. The driver 103 has a different mac address forwireless communication over a secure wireless network. The PoE interfaceembeds two active bridges and the driving circuitry, a charge pump todrive high-side MOSFETs, the hot swap MOSFET, and the standardsingle-signature IEEE 802.3bt-compliant interface, including detection,classification, UVLO, and inrush current limitation. In someembodiments, the driver 103 is capable of handling power up to 48-Woutput with high efficiency, good current regulation, low standbyconsumption, and low current ripple.

On powering up the driver 103, the power is provided directly throughthe POE switch 112. In some embodiments, this is through a UPoe (802.3bt) switch.

The driver 103 has a built in control module 119 for the transmitting,receiving, and process of data and provides the driver with the abilityto communicate with the other control modules 119 within the system 100.

The fixtures 107 turn ON with maximum brightness. The dimming,temperature control and ON/OFF of the fixtures 107 can be controlled byusing a switch 108 or a computing device 105 through the control program106. The control program 106 communicates with the networks 101 and 102.The driver provides for the control of the fixtures 107. For example theON/OFF of the fixtures 107 is controlled by clicking on the on and officon, and the brightness of the fixtures 107 can be changed by adjustingthe slide bar icon and changing the color temperature is done bychoosing the color temperature range programmed for each individuallight fixture. Based on the selected dimming level, the driver 103adjusts the duty cycle signal going to the fixture 107. In someembodiments, the frequency of the PWM to the driver 103 is 500 Hz. Insome embodiments the fixtures 107 are doors, door switches, windows,window locks, security systems, and other fixtures which are part ofbuildings or structures which can be controlled through electronicmeans.

The overall efficiency, current regulation, and dimming behavior of thedriver 103 has been evaluated at different loads. With 100% load at 48VDC, the efficiency is above 95%, the driver 103 performance in terms ofdimming behavior, current regulation, and efficiency. The standby powerconsumption is less than 100 mW.

The present driver 103 does not require a physical switch to control thefixtures 107. Nor does the driver 103 require a hardwired switch 108 tofunction or operate. The current invention does not require slaveconfiguration for operation of down stream fixtures.

The relay 118 may be integrated into the driver 103 to provide anotherapproach involves self-contained battery pack emergency light. The relay118 is connected to normal power, which provides a constant chargingcurrent for the battery. During a power failure, the relay 118 energizesthe emergency fixtures.

In one embodiment, the driver 103 allows for a constant-current smartdriver capable of working on Ethernet RJ-45 cable for delivery of poweronly and wirelessly controlled through Wi-Fi at 2.4 ghz. The powersupply for the LED driver is capable of operating from 37- to 57-V inputDC voltage, with a maximum power output of 48 W. The board featuresdigital/PWM dimming, with the depth of PWM dimming close to 1%. Thesmart dimming and ON/OFF of the LEDs, color temperature controls, timercontrol functionality is controlled through an onboard control module.The driver 103 provides for the standby power (no load) consumption. Thedriver's converter efficiency reaches 95% for most of the input voltagerange. All protection features like LED open and short are present inthe developed solution.

In some embodiments, the driver 103 has a power controller, which isused for driving the fixtures 107 in constant-current mode. Due to thehigh-frequency operation of the power controller. The power controllerhas a DIM pin for digital dimming and an EN pin for implementing driverON and OFF. The power controller has a built-in protection mechanism tomanage faults both at source and load side.

The fixture(s) 107 are the various light fixtures or light sourcesintegrated into the system. These fixtures can be a variety of LightEmitting Diode (LED) lights or the like. For example, 2×2 LED panels,T-bar lights, water sealed LED light bars, linear pendant lights, linearambient lighting systems, troffer lights, wall pack fixtures, recessedlighting fixtures, and these may be flush or suspended fixtures. In thedepicted embodiment, the fixtures 107 are wired to the driver 103. Thedirect connection within the environment 100 may be a category 6A U/UTPCMP/CMR cable or the like which is able to meet the power and signalrequirements of the driver 106. This provides for the PoE connection toprovide both power and control signals from the driver 103 to thefixtures 107. In some embodiments, the fixtures 107 may be in directcontact with a power source 111 (e.g. battery, solar panel, municipalpower, or the like) through a relay which controls the power suppliedfrom the power source 111 to the fixture 107. In some embodiments, thefixtures 107 are light-emitting diode (LED), the LEDs are activated andturn on quickly and can be readily dimmed. LEDs emit a cool light withvery little infrared light. An LED circuit will approach 80% efficiency,which means 80% of the electrical energy is converted to light energy;the remaining 20% is lost as heat energy.

The switches 108 are used to provide manual operation and control of thefixtures 107. The switches 108 are either hardwired into the system or,based on more recent technology may be able to be wirelessly connectedto the local area network 101. The switches 108 may have variousfeatures such as dimming, time controlled, or other features toactivate, deactivate the fixtures 107. In the depicted embodiment, theswitches 108 are connected to the local area network 101 through awireless connection. In other embodiments, the switches 108 may behardwired into the system 100.

The sensor(s) 109 are used to provide the data collection for the driver103 to determine if the requirements have been met to activate or alterthe fixtures 107. The sensors 109 may also be a multi sensor, thatallows for the detection of motion, daylight, heat, temperature andhumidity using a wireless component that has been built into the sensors109 to allow for direct communication to the control module. In someembodiments, the sensors 109 are simple switches as currently designed.The use of the motion sensor will allow for the light to be turned onwhen it detects motion or in the event that an individual is in anoffice at his desk but not moving enough to trip the motion sensor itwill detect the individuals body heat and activate the lights. Thedaylight sensor 109 will allow for the integration of daylightharvesting and a circadian rhythm setting to maximize the efficiency ofthe systems. The sensor 109 is self contains as it does not require apower cable and runs off of battery power. In another embodiments, thesensor 109 may be hardwired and connected to power via the PoE switch.The sensors 109 have a built in control module 119 for transmitting datawith regards to the data received from the sensors 109, as well asprocess the requests sent to the sensors 109 from various elements ofthe system 100. In some embodiments, the sensors 109 may be able todetect various chemicals, gases, or the like. The sensors 109 arereplaceable and adjustable based on the building requirements for bothsafety and security. The sensors 109 can be integrated into the systemprovided they are able to communicate with the driver 103 and/or the POEswitch 112.

The existing building systems 110 may also include fire or burglarycomponents or systems integrated into the building which are connectedto the system, such that when these building systems 110 are activated,the driver 103 provides a response action from or to the fixtures 107.The fire alarm interface, that will enable any number of pre-determinedscenes to be activated in the event that the fire alarm at the facilityis triggered. The system 110 can be set to turn all facility lights tomax power allowing for the safe evacuation of tenants and guests. Theburglar alarm interface that will enable any number of pre-determinedscenes to be activated in the event that the burglar alarm at thefacility is triggered. The system 110 can be set to turn all facilitylights to max power allowing in an effort to thwart any wood becriminals and to enable the safety conditions for security and or policeadditionally the motion sensor can be used to trigger the recordingfeature of any security cameras in the vicinity.

The relay 111 is a PoE operated switch which controls the communicationbetween the PoE switch 112 and the existing building systems 110. Therelay 111 have a built in control module 119 for the transmitting,receiving, and process of data and requests and permits the relay 111 toperform the desired action based on the data.

The Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switch 112 supplying power and datathrough a standard Ethernet cable is commonly called“Power-over-Ethernet,” or PoE technology which has an industry standardprotocol called IEEE 802.3af. An embodiment of the present inventionsupports the IEEE 802.3af standard as well as a customized, novel PoEarchitecture which allows a user to select a multiple number of desiredvoltages and current levels for an output PoE port by instructing amicroprocessor using an output voltage-adjusting interface. PoEcurrently has two standards: Institute of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers (IEEE) 802.3af (the original PoE standard) and IEEE 802.3at(known as PoE plus), which provide, respectively, about 13 Watts andabout 25.5 Watts of power to connected devices. In addition, a newstandard is being developed that is intended to provide upwards of 50Watts of power to connected devices. The switch 112 have a built incontrol module 119 for the transmitting, receiving, and process of dataand requests and permits the switch 112 to perform the desired actionbased on the data.

In some embodiments, the driver 103 derives its power from the PoEswitch 112. In some embodiments, the PoE switch 112 is an IEEE 802.3BTPoE switch and is only used for delivering power to the driver 103 butis not used for communication to the driver 103 in an effort to avoidany EMI communication disruption due to the higher than normal power.

The local power source 113 is an uninterruptible power supply thatprovides constant and continuous power to the system with minimaldisruptions in the power supply. Both in an emergency or on a regularbasis the local power source 113 may be used. The local power source 113is connected to the external power source 114 and may be a passthroughdevice for the power supply, or may be charged by the external powersource. 114. In one embodiment the local power source 113 provides for3000 watts for every three switches 112 allowing for the use of up to 75fixtures 107 during a power outage at full power the light will remainfunctional on battery power for 120 minutes. At half power we can extendthe battery life and allowing for the lights to stay on for 240 minutes.The local power source 113 also has a built in control module 119 toallow communication with the other control modules 119, the driver 103,and the control program 106. The control module 119 transmits data withregards to grid power levels, battery life, battery charge levels andcharge rate. This information is used to determine whether the batteryis on grid or battery power to allow the system to determine if theemergency lighting scenario needs to be implemented. The battery alongwith the control module 119 allows for an independent control of alighting system.

The external power source 114 may be various forms of renewable energysuch as solar, wind, water, or the like forms of energy. In someembodiments, the external power source 114 is an established powersystem or structure, for example, city or municipal provided power.

The server 120 may be a management server, a web server, or any otherelectronic device or computing system capable of processing programinstructions and receiving and sending data. In other embodiments server120 may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, netbook computer,personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmableelectronic device capable of communicating via network 102. In oneembodiment, server 120 may be a server computing system utilizingmultiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computingenvironment. In one embodiment, server 120 represents a computing systemutilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool ofseamless resources. In the depicted embodiment database 108 is locatedon server 120. Server 120 may include components, as depicted anddescribed in further detail with respect to FIG. 3. Server 120 would bea lightweight publish and subscribe system where you can publish andreceive messages as a client. MQTT Server 120 is a messaging protocol,designed for constrained devices with low-bandwidth.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic of an example of a cloud computingnode is shown. Cloud computing node 10 is only one example of a suitablecloud computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as tothe scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein. Regardless, cloud computing node 10 is capable ofbeing implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forthhereinabove.

In cloud computing node 10 there is a computer system/server 12, whichis operational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloudcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be locatedin both local and remote computer system storage media including memorystorage devices.

As shown in FIG. 2, computer system/server 12 in cloud computing node 10is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. Thecomponents of computer system/server 12 may include, but are not limitedto, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28,and a bus 18 that couples various system components including systemmemory 28 to processor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a nonremovable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output(I/O) interfaces 22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 cancommunicate with one or more networks such as a local area network(LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g.,the Internet) via network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20communicates with the other components of computer system/server 12 viabus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardwareand/or software components could be used in conjunction with computersystem/server 12. Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode,device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays,RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrative cloud computing environment 50 isdepicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 50 comprises one or morecloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used bycloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA)or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, and laptop computer 54Cmay communicate. Nodes 10 may communicate with one another. They may begrouped (e.g. array) (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or morenetworks, such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds asdescribed hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloudcomputing environment 50 to offer infrastructure, platforms and/orsoftware as services for which a cloud consumer does not need tomaintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood thatthe types of computing devices 54A-C shown in FIG. 3 are intended to beillustrative only and that computing nodes 10 and cloud computingenvironment 50 can communicate with any type of computerized device overany type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using aweb browser).

The program(s) described herein are identified based upon theapplication for which they are implemented in a specific embodiment ofthe invention. However, it should be appreciated that any particularprogram nomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus theinvention should not be limited to use solely in any specificapplication identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.

FIG. 4 shows flowchart 400 depicting a method according to the presentinvention. The method(s) and associated process(es) are now discussed,over the course of the following paragraphs, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Additionally, steps of the method600 may be performed in varying orders or concurrently. Furthermore,various steps may be added, subtracted, or combined in the method 600and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

A method 400 to operate the fixtures 105 is described. In step 201, thedriver 103 receives the power from the PoE Switch and the control signalover the wireless network 105, for the groups or arrays of fixtures 105,or a combination of the two. The received power and control signal areassociated with the fixture power usage, power requirements, controlsettings, sensor data, and the like. In step 202, the control program106 analyzes the data collected by the driver 103 to determine if thefixture(s) 15 are operating within the set requirements or parametersset forth by the user or the system, and are within the programrequirements. The program may be normal operation, emergency, low powerconsumption or the like. In step 203, the control program 106communicates with the driver 103 to control the operation of therespective fixture 105 based on the processed power and control signal105, through the wired connection between the driver 103 and the fixture105 the driver is able to maintain or alter the power supplied to thefixture 105, control the fixture 105 to act in a predetermined manner ismanaged over the wireless network (e.g. on, off, or dim).

The power and control signal processing is typically interrupted by thesensors 109, where a request to turn on, turn off, or dim the fixture isrequested. In some embodiments, the driver 103 controls the temperatureof the fixtures 105 which relate to the light output of the fixture. Inadditional embodiments, the interruption may come from the alteration orinstability of the incoming power supply, and various other factorswhich can occur to the fixtures 105. For instance if a fixtureexperiences an error or malfunction, the driver may receive informationrelated to the malfunction and cut power to the fixture 105 to stopfurther damage and provide a notice to the control program 106 whichcommunicates with the computing device 103 for the required personnel toinvestigate the malfunction. Similar for the sensors 109 if one isproviding inaccurate or inconsistence control signals. In someembodiments, the control signals are conditioned and provided to thedriver 103. The conditioning may be due to the relay or capacitor.

FIG. 5 shows flowchart 500 depicting a method according to the presentinvention. The method(s) and associated process(es) are now discussed,over the course of the following paragraphs, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Additionally, steps of the method600 may be performed in varying orders or concurrently. Furthermore,various steps may be added, subtracted, or combined in the method 600and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

In one example, unless the context indicates otherwise, these steps maybe performed by control program 106; however, they may also be performedby suitable hardware or software such as by computing device 103 havingsuitable logic for implementing these described steps. The method 500begins at step 301 where a power limit is allocated for each fixture.This may be performed automatically by control program 106, by a userthrough computing device 103, or through other suitable methods.According to the teachings of the invention, the allocated power limitfor each device may include values other than those specified by IEEE,or set by the fixture. After allocation of a power limit for eachfixture, power is provided to any fixture sending a power signal requestat step 302. The power limit allocated for each device may be stored inthe database 108, or in other suitable locations. At decision 303, thepower usage is measured for each fixture requesting power. If it isdetermined that the power exceeds the limit of the fixture at the time,the control program 106, or the like reduces the power supplied to thatfixture. If the control program 106 determines that the power does notexceed the limit for the fixture, the control program 106 communicateswith the driver to continue supplying the fixture the power 305.

This determination may be based upon an overall power usagedetermination that occurs independently of this method or may involvespecifically determining the power usage for this purpose. Suchdetermination of an overall power usage may involve measuring theoverall power usage or measuring power usage for each fixture. This maybe implemented in an emergency situation where the power source isnearly depleted of power or the power has been severed and the backuppower supply is being used. It may also apply to situations where thefixtures are to be dimmed to accommodate the absence of personnel in theroom or building. In some emergency situations the driver can controlthe various fixtures 107 based on the data received from the sensors 109to block or lock the people from entering areas of the building whichare consumed by fire, gas, smoke, or are otherwise dangerous and directthe people out of the building through a safe and clear path. This canbe implemented in different situations and events such as fires, gasleaks, shooters, or the like. In some events the system can be designedto trap or contain individuals who are not permitted to be in thebuilding.

FIG. 6 shows flowchart 600 depicting a method according to the presentinvention. The method(s) and associated process(es) are now discussed,over the course of the following paragraphs, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Additionally, steps of the method600 may be performed in varying orders or concurrently. Furthermore,various steps may be added, subtracted, or combined in the method 600and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

The exemplary method for a sequence that may be deployed by the controlprogram 106 when a new fixture 105 is added to the system 100. Themethod 600 may be performed by a computing device 103, server 104, orany other computing device with software components of the controlprogram 106. In step 401 a new fixture 105 is added into the system,this may be through physical placement of the fixture and detection bythe driver 103, or through a virtual addition of a fixture 105 into thesystem 100. The new fixture 105 may comprise a new LED light. In step402, the new fixture communicates with the driver 103 or the controlprogram 106. In an exemplary embodiment, once a new fixture is powered,the new fixture 105 sends a signal to the driver 103 or the controlprogram 106. In step 403, the user, driver 103, or the control program106 incorporates the light fixture 105 into the system 100. This mayinclude a basic integration into the set of fixtures 105 alreadyincorporated in the system 100 or may be able to automatically group thefixture 105 with similar or associated fixtures 105 in step 404. Thisprocess may also be done manually. A user may then access the computingdevice 103 to locate the new fixture 105. In exemplary embodiments, ifthe fixture 105 is moved it may need to be reincorporated into thesystem 100. Each fixture may save its own parameters in non-volatilememory, such that it can resume operation after a power failure.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Present invention: should not be taken as an absolute indication thatthe subject matter described by the term “present invention” is coveredby either the claims as they are filed, or by the claims that mayeventually issue after patent prosecution; while the term “presentinvention” is used to help the reader to get a general feel for whichdisclosures herein that are believed as maybe being new, thisunderstanding, as indicated by use of the term “present invention,” istentative and provisional and subject to change over the course ofpatent prosecution as relevant information is developed and as theclaims are potentially amended.

The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments have been presentedonly for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the formsdisclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings will be apparentto practitioners skilled in the art. Additionally, the above disclosureis not intended to limit the present invention. In the specification andclaims the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaningsimilar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply theinclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps butnot the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers orsteps. This definition also applies to variations on the term“comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled inthe art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodimentswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subjectmatter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references(e.g. attached, adhered, joined) are to be construed broadly and mayinclude intermediate members between a connection of elements andrelative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do notnecessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixedrelation to each other. Moreover, network connection references are tobe construed broadly and may include intermediate members or devicesbetween network connections of elements. As such, network connectionreferences do not necessarily infer that two elements are in directcommunication with each other. In some instances, in methodologiesdirectly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operationsare described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled inthe art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged,replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter containedin the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail orstructure may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventionas defined in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to theembodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications,variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether knownor that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to thosehaving at least ordinary skill in the art. Listing the steps of a methodin a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order ofthe steps of the method. Accordingly, the embodiments of the inventionset forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Personsskilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form anddetail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlierdeveloped alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/orsubstantial equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling a fixture in a power overethernet (POE) system, the method comprising: a driver receiving a powerand a control signal from at least one fixtures; a control moduleprocessing the received power and the received control signal, whereinthe control module determines if the at least one fixtures are operatingwith a predetermined range; the control module signaling the driver toadjust the power signal for the at least one fixtures.
 2. The method ofcontrolling a fixture in a power over ethernet (POE) system of claim 10,further comprising, the control module identifying, a set of limitationsassociated with each of the at least one fixtures.
 3. The method ofcontrolling a fixture in a power over ethernet (POE) system of claim 11,further comprising, the control module receiving, a power signal fromthe at least one fixtures, wherein the power signal is compared to theset of limitations associated with each of the at least one fixtures. 4.The method of controlling a fixture in a power over ethernet (POE)system of claim 10, further comprising, receiving of a signal from atleast one sensors, wherein the driver receives the signal from the atleast one sensor and determines if the control module is to modify thepower or the control signal to the at least one fixture.
 5. The methodof controlling a fixture in a power over ethernet (POE) system of claim13, further comprising, the driver receiving a signal from the at leastone sensor, wherein the signal meets a set of requirements associatedwith a protocol, wherein the control module sends a control signal tothe at least one fixtures based on a set of orders associated with theprotocol.
 6. The method of controlling a fixture in a power overethernet (POE) system of claim 10, further comprising, the driveridentifying a new fixtured incorporated into the system, andestablishing communication with the new fixture.
 7. The method ofcontrolling a fixture in a power over ethernet (POE) system of claim 15,further comprising, associating the new fixture with the existing atleast one fixtures, wherein the new fixture is associated with apredetermined set of the at least one fixtures based on a set of datacollected by the control module related to the new fixture.